Players in the NBA are more powerful and controlling than ever. From LeBron James teaming up with his buddies in South Beach to Carmelo Anthony forcing his way to the Big Apple, superstars are doing whatever they want.
Dwight Howard was supposed to be the next looming free agent with the power to force his organization’s hand. The only problem? The Magic center has no clue what he wants.
That indecisiveness resulted in Howard waiving the early termination option in his contract before Thursday’s trade deadline to assure he stays in Orlando at least one more year.
It appears the mammoth center made a colossal mistake. By “opting in” to his contract, Howard loses leverage and an opportunity to make more money. And by not signing any extension to stay with the Magic long term, the three-time NBA defensive player of the year is just prolonging the inevitable.
It’s not like this situation snuck up on Howard. Questions surrounding his future have been swirling for more than two years.
When James waited for an hour-long nationally televised program to inform the Cleveland Cavaliers of his future intentions, it changed the way NBA front offices address free agency.
Small-market teams took notice when the Cavaliers went from owning the best record in the league to owning the No. 1 pick in the draft in just one year.
Denver wouldn’t let its superstar handcuff its franchise, trading Anthony before he became a free agent and acquiring enough assets to make the postseason.
And Orlando found itself in a similar position. The Magic weren’t about to watch their franchise cornerstone walk away without receiving anything in return.
Because of James, decisions on free agency are not made during the offseason but at the trade deadline.
Despite the years of anticipation, Howard still wasn’t ready for a long-term commitment.
So as the trade deadline passes, not much has changed in Orlando. The Magic still have their center in the lineup, they still have uncertainty surrounding their future and they still are waiting for a 26-year-old to make up his mind.
– Jeffrey Tomik
